Open Forum

 View Only

  • 1.  Honor Cords Requirements

    Posted 06-06-2025 12:10

    What do you require to allow students to wear honor cords at graduation? What are the official ITS rules for this if any?

    TIA



    ------------------------------
    Bernadette MacLeod
    East Mecklenburg High School
    NC
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Honor Cords Requirements

    Posted 06-07-2025 20:08

    Hi Bernadette,

    Once you determine what your criteria is for wearing cords at graduation I'm would suggest putting those requirements for Honor Cord eligibility into your troupe constitution. It's transparent, students and parents can see what it takes to wear the cord, and it will save you many headaches in the month leading up to graduation. 

    The longer I was a troupe director, the more we (Thespians and I) revised and tightened up our constitution so everything was clear. 

    Happy to share the last constitution my troupe used. Email me at kristacarsonelhai@gmail.com.



    ------------------------------
    Krista Carson Elhai
    President, Educational Theatre Association
    Educational Theatre Foundation National Board of Trustees
    Past President, CA Educational Theatre Association
    Membership Chair, California State Thespians
    Claremont CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Honor Cords Requirements

    Posted 06-08-2025 09:04

    During my tenure as a troupe director, our requirements for honor chords were: 1) be a thespian in good standing ((which meant participating in troupe activities for the year(s)--- (being involved in at least 3 of 4 productions annually, attending meetings, participating in other troupe activities such as fundraisers, field trips, work days, etc))  2) Earn 60 points as determined by the EDTA point scale (awarded or withdrawn at the discretion of the troupe director).  We met for a point review at a thespian meeting at the end of each semester, and I shared those point awards at the spring banquette so students could be recognized for their achievements and also know where they were on their path.  

    Communication with students is key so students know and are aware of the process, rewards and consequences.

    Over the years, I had a few students who graduated with honors after one year of participation, however, those were exceptional.

    There is also the possibility of scholars awards for certain GPA levels.  We went to our school leadership team with a presentation for these awards and I would advocate for this recognition as well if you can implement it.  Students were then awarded stoles to be worn at graduation.

    Hope that is helpful



    ------------------------------
    Michael Johnson, MA
    Retired
    Trinity High School
    Trinity, NC
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Honor Cords Requirements

    Posted 06-08-2025 10:01

    Different teachers set different standards. We have a smaller program and typically do 2 (or 3) shows) each year...and I don't have a lot of bandwidth of various service projects, so it's harder for students to hit 60 points unless they do literally every show with no breaks (or have major roles in multiple shows).  So for us the basic cord is for Thespians in good standing who have also been active during each year they have been at the school.  For Honor Thespians with 60+ points, they can choose the stole or medallion.  



    ------------------------------
    Blake Wilson
    Theatre Arts Director
    Orange High School
    NC
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Honor Cords Requirements

    Posted 06-09-2025 08:04

    I was allowed to formulate some of the criteria but our campus also had qualifiactions that all honor code groups had to meet-such as GPA and number of semesters/years involved in clubs or activities. My officers also came up with adding a number of service hours, active senior year, and participating at Thes-Con and/or Thes-Fest.

    I do recommend adding it in your theatre handbook once it is approved by your administration to make sure there would be no issues or surprises before graduation. TBH, I would like to add stoles or medals for International Honor or scholar thespians but they'd just be an honor given and not allowed at graduation. 
    Good luck. 



    ------------------------------
    Kristy (Kris) Lilley
    Education
    Lewis-Palmer High School
    CO
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content